Ann Widdecombe murder latest: Police ‘considering left-wing motive’ in killing of Reform politician

Police are looking into reports of a social media post that apparently celebrated the death of Ann Widdecombe, who was killed in a “targeted attack”.

The post, allegedly made by a University of Aberdeen employee, claimed the former MP’s killing was “good news” and that they had hoped it was an “extremely painful death”.

On Tuesday, a Police Scotland spokesperson said the force was looking into the incident.

They added: “We received reports on Saturday, July 11 relating to a post made online.

“Following further assessment, additional enquiries are being carried out.”

A spokesperson for the university said: “The comments that have been shared are entirely the individual’s own and do not represent the views of the University of Aberdeen.

“We do not condone violence or hateful behaviour in any form.

“We are cooperating with Police Scotland as they carry out their enquiries and cannot comment further.”

Counter-terrorism police are probing whether the suspect held over Ann Widdecombe’s killing was motivated by left-wing extremism, it has been reported.

Detectives confirmed Ms Widdecombe’s death was a “targeted attack”, and said whether the suspect in the alleged murder was targeting Reform UK figures will be a “line of investigation”.

The Guardian has reported that investigators are considering whether left-wing, anarchist and single-issue terrorism (LASIT) played a role in the suspect’s alleged motivation, but are keeping an open mind as new material emerges.

Andy Burnham has said a “serious review” was needed into MPs’ security following the suspected murder of Ann Widdecombe.

The incoming prime minister said politics has “darkened” in the near decade since he was last in Westminster and protections may need to be “increased further.”

Asked why he thought frontline politics had become so dangerous for serving and former politicians, the recently elected Makerfield MP told reporters outside the Commons: “I notice quite a lot of change in the building behind me 10 years away, no more so than on the question of security.

“Actually, I was quite shocked to see how much security now has to be in place, and even so, it may need to be increased further.

“Politics has darkened in the last decade, there’s no getting away from that.”

Police will continue to quiz the man arrested on suspicion of Ann Widdecombe’s death on Wednesday.

Officers confirmed they have been granted a warrant of further detention under the Terrorism Act, which allows them to hold the suspect for seven days from the date of his arrest.

Meanwhile, questions over the safety and security of politicians and former politicians are expected to continue.

Police have provided some significant updates into their murder investigation into the death of Ann Widdecombe over the last 24 hours.

On Tuesday, Counter Terrorism Policing, who are leading the probe, said a 28-year-old white male suspect remains in police custody for questioning. He was arrested on suspicion of murder and terrorism offences.

Detectives held a press conference on Tuesday where they said the attack on Ms Widdecombe was “clearly targeted”.

They also said they could not rule out foreign actors playing a role in Ms Widdecombe’s killing, but would not give detail on any specific motivation.

Google’s AI policy says it restricts personal information such as addresses from its AI summaries – but Ann Widdecombe’s Haytor address was spelled out in full.

Jacqui Merrington reports: